In a workplace matter before Deputy President Sam’s in the Fair Work Commission last week, some startling facts were heard and presented.

The transcript of proceedings would be alarming for any HR person. This blog has written many times about having appropriate policies and procedures utilising software and this case underlines the need for it.

An employee (8yrs service) was terminated without warnings, notice or entitlements. The evidence presented represents a workplace that is in the words of his Honor “Dysfunctional and shambolic.” Further, the workplace culture was shown to be toxic with derogatory nicknames, pranks and jokes and general mucking around a day to day event.

In the decision, the question was asked by the Deputy President: “Where were the policies and processes to deal with a rapidly escalating, out of control workplace problem?”

Further, there were no formal processes to deal with the inter-relationship issues. DP Sams then stated “A complete and appalling breakdown of managements responsibility – Utterly unacceptable!

The outcome of the case and the words shared here show that there is an expectation not only now, but perhaps more so in the coming years, for businesses and organisations to align their operations and policies and procedures with the known benefits of software utilisation.

Sign up now to Procedure Rock and implement your policies and procedures through an agile management system which can provide certainty in outcomes.

Rojas v Beacon Products Pty Ltd [ 2018] FWC 4317 (16 August 2018)